English: A Mk8 Lynx helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron hovers over the flight deck of HMS Monmouth in the Mediterranean at sunset.

Royal Marines on board HMS Monmouth have been practising their fast-roping skills while on a NATO training exercise in Crete.

The Royal Navy warship is poised to take over from HMS Sutherland in the Arabian Gulf during the winter and spring to maintain the continuous British presence in the area.

The Type 23 frigate and crew of 215 left Plymouth earlier this summer and will be policing busy shipping lanes to protect shipping by acting to disrupt and deter piracy and other illegal activities at sea.

While on their way to the Gulf and sailing through the Eastern Mediterranean, HMS Monmouth’s crew took advantage of a NATO training exercise in Crete to prove the accuracy of all sensors and weapon systems onboard. The warfare department has also provided gun shoots and small-arms firings for the crew to maintain their skills to a high standard.

During the exercise, the ship’s Royal Navy and Royal Marine boarding teams took part in multiple boarding exercises with Greek forces – with fast roping to the flight deck from the onboard Lynx helicopter.

As well as the military capability exercises, the ship’s company have been running boxing circuits and taking part in early morning workouts each day to keep them fighting fit

• Organization: ROYAL NAVY
• Object Name: FG120209003
• Supplemental Categories: Equipment, Aircraft, Helicopters, Lynx
• Keywords: Type 23 Frigate, Mediterranean, Monmouth, Royal Navy, Equipment, Aircraft, Helicopter, Lynx , Mk8, Ship, Frigate, FFG, Type 23, Duke Class, HMS Monmouth
• Country: Mediterranean